Honda HR-V 2016 Long-term Review - 2

Honda HR-V VTi-L ADAS
Long-Term Test (Update 1)

If the HR-V name sounds a bit familiar you're showing your age, because there was a small Honda SUV with the same name sold here around 15 years ago. That car quickly faded from dealerships, but in the current SUV-mad sales climate in Australia the HR-V looks like it could be a winner.

The proposition Honda has put forward with the new HR-V compact SUV is pretty straight forward. Maximise interior space, minimize exterior size, make it economical and wrap it all in a pretty good looking body that says off-roader … even though only the front wheels are driven.

There are three models priced between $24,990 and $33,990 before on-road costs.

They are all powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105kW and 172Nm, while consuming fuel at a claimed rate of up to 6.9L/100km.

We'll put that claim to the test over the next few months, but you won't be surprised to learn we've already noticed our real world economy rate is a bit higher than that. We've seen as low as 7.8L/100km and 9.0L/100km.

All three HR-Vs come with a solid baseline equipment list including six airbags, Bluetooth compatibility (Apple and Android), audio streaming, wide-angle reversing camera with three modes and dynamic guidelines viewed on the seven-inch touch screen and an electric parking brake.

Safety gear is a big story for HR-V with a blind-spot monitoring and active city brake standard from the mid-range VTi-S model.

Our long-termer is the top spec VTi-L which comes with shift paddles, leather, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass and dual-zone climate control.

Our car is also fitted with the Advanced Drive Assist System (ADAS) package which includes forward collision warning, lane-departure warning and high-beam support. That package costs an extra $1000.

There are some things missing from the HR-V VTi-L equipment list that surprise. Like no satellite-navigation or powered front seats. The spare tyre is a space saver and metallic paint is worth an extra $575.00 on all models.

The HR-V is based on the chassis of the Jazz mini-car and has some of the same interior tricks such as clever seats – Honda calls them Magic Seats - that help maximise space. Up to 18 configurations are claimed.

I didn't find them all, but I did establish that once you split-fold the rear seats flat, expanding boot space from 437 litres to 1032, you can fit a full-size mountain bike in there, albeit with the front wheel removed.

In the cabin there is also plentiful storage, although much of it is hidden away under the 'flying bridge' centre console' between the front seats. The USB and auxiliary connections are down there too. But there are also door pockets front and back, cupholders and a reasonably sized glovebox.

The HR-V is built in Thailand and presentation and quality seemed good. The only issue I encountered was a sticky adjuster that needed a shove to get the seat base positioned back where I wanted it.

Those front seats are big and comfy, while there is good foot and legroom in the rear. Taller people will find headroom restricted by the over-sized panoramic sunroof. Even though it is tinted, I am unsure of the value of the sunroof given our hot conditions in Australia.

Controls are well presented and sensible for the driver. There' a big left footrest and sizeable pedals. The audio is controlled via the touch screen or buttons on the steering wheel. There are no orthodox audio controls on the dashboard.

A recognisable Honda signature is the light ring around the centrally-mounted speedo that changes colour depending on how economically you are driving. Another intriguing interior design features is the continuous air-conditioning outlet that runs across the top of the glovebox in front of the front-seat passenger. It's a cool idea … literally.

It would be great if rear seat passengers got adjustable air-con vents as well to help keep them cool.

On the other hand, there's nothing too hot about the HR-V's performance. It is lethargic off the mark before gathering a bit of mid-range pace. Hills were a challenge, overtaking a carefully judged strategy.

Sport mode just seemed to make the engine rev harder without any significant performance reward. The continuously variable transmission can also be manipulated manually by flappy paddles, but again to no great effect. The CVT is at its best providing a sub-2000rpm engine speed on the freeway, keeping fuel consumption under control.

The HR-V's chassis tune is also oriented toward comfort rather than speed. There's a lot of movement and motion over bumps and hollows and a determined predilection for safety-first understeer in tighter turns tackled at speed. The torsion beam rear suspension banged and crashed as it ran out of travel and capability.

But at city speeds the HR-V handles well, steering lightly and changing direction neatly around roundabouts and the like. The big windows also help for the all-important maneuvering in tight spaces. The 'LaneWatch' function proved a neat feature, giving a view through media screen of the road alongside when the left-hand blinker was activated.

What it all adds up to is a conservative and uninspiring drive experience underpinning a pretty clever and – mostly – well equipped package.

But that's just the first impression. We're looking forward to giving the HR-V a good test over the next few months. One thing is for sure, with other new entries like the Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur around, the HR-V is going to have to be good to stand out from the pack.

2016 Honda HR-V VTi-L ADAS pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 105kW/172Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 155g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

Also consider:
>> Holden Trax (from $23,990 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda CX-3 (from $19,990 plus ORCs)
>> Renault Captur (from $22,990 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
Honda HR-V Long term introduction